The disruptions and changes during the past year have made a return to the industrial education model of the 19th and 20th centuries problematic for school districts committed to preparing diverse students for 21st century careers. Instead, a more innovative and agile approach is needed to help today’s wide range of students recover from the pandemic and achieve more equitable outcomes.
Presented by Scott Elliott, Ed.D., Superintendent, Watauga County Schools (NC); and Shannon Trejo, Chief Academic Officer, Dallas Independent School District (TX)
Moderated by Mark Schneiderman, Senior Director, Future of Teaching & Learning, D2L
Presented by Amanda Patterson, Ed.D., National Director, Academic Planning and Analytics, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; and Garth Harries, Managing Partner, International Center for Leadership in Education
“How are the children?” That’s how Dr. Baron R. Davis, Superintendent of Richland School District Two (SC), starts every meeting. He isn’t just asking, though, if they are physically well. Like the traditional Maasai greeting, he’s asking if the people in his district are making the children their priority every day and making sure they are doing everything to take care of the children on every level.
Presented by Dr. Peter Aiken, Superintendent, Manheim Central School District (PA); Dr. Amy Carter, Superintendent, Meridian Public School District (MS); Dr. Matthew Dillon, Superintendent, Petal School District (MS); and Dan Leffingwell, Superintendent, Noble Local School District (OH)
Moderated by Ann McMullan, Project Director, EmpowerED Superintendent Initiative, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking)
Using data to determine the needs of economically disadvantaged students and make good decisions about them has helped one school district provide more equitable outcomes, meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and increase opportunities for high school graduates to succeed in college and their careers.
Presented by James Bridgeforth, Research Associate, USC Race and Equity Center and USC Rossier Center on Education Policy, Equity, and Governance; and Bianca Licata, Professional Development Associate, Center for Technology and School Change at Teachers College, Columbia University
When many schools and districts address equity problems, they tend to look at the big picture and overall outcomes. But according to the presenters in an edWebinar, hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association and AASA’s Leadership Network, the more effective approach is to identify specific problems for specific groups of students and make key changes that address those individual needs. By combining the small group focus with short cycles of improvement, schools can truly create a system where every child is receiving the best possible education.
Presented by Ken Shelton, Educator, Speaker, Advisor, and Consultant
School systems, school buildings and classroom leaders have the opportunity to model methods to promote racial justice. The approaches will vary, from courageous conversations in the classroom to inclusive, student-centered school design.